Auxiliary Operator

University-of-North-Carolina-At-Chapel-Hil; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Auxiliary Operator to provide entry-level support for Cogeneration Systems Operations. You will assist the control room team in safe boiler and steam production, supporting electricity generation for campus facilities.

The role requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) with 2 years related experience, and includes a 24/7/365 rotation. A sign-on bonus is offered; employment is full-time with comprehensive UNC benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and two years of related experience.
• Requires certification(s).

Responsibilities

• Assist the ACRO, CRO and Shift Supervisor in safe and reliable operation of plant systems and equipment.
• Provide entry-level support to Cogeneration Systems Operations workgroup.
• Support 24/7-365 day rotating 12-hour shift coverage, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy

Posting Information

Department

Department ES CG-227110

Career Area

Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?

No

Posting Open Date

10/12/2026

Application Deadline

10/21/2026

Position Type

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Energy Utilities Specialist - Contributing

Salary Grade Equivalent

NC12 / GN07

Working Title

Auxiliary Operator

Position Number

00022273

Vacancy ID

P021448

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week

40

Work Schedule

This position is requested to work a 24/7-365 days/year rotational 12 hour shift schedule. This includes nights, weekends and holidays. It is expected to cover absences both planned and unplanned when necessary.

This position is Adverse Weather, Emergency Event and Communicable Disease On-site Mandatory. Therefore must work during periods of inclement weather, university emergency and/or public health emergency and may have to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The primary purpose of Cogeneration Systems is the generation of steam to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. Steam is critical to the operations of the University and UNC Hospitals. It is used for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, sterilization of surgical instrument, distilled water production, food preparation and dish washing. Cogeneration Systems also generates electricity as a byproduct of the steam generation. It can presently supply about 30 percent of the peak campus electrical load. Cogeneration Systems is part of UNC Energy Services.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $5,139 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $2,569.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,569.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE .

Primary purpose of this position is to provide entry-level support to the Cogeneration Systems Operations workgroup. The position will assist the Assistant Control Room Operator ( ACRO ), Control Room Operator ( CRO ) and the Shift Supervisor (SS) in the safe and reliable operation of all plant systems and equipment related to the production of steam and electric generating facilities (Cogeneration Systems and Manning-Drive Steam Plant).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Management Preferences

Directly related coal fired steam plant operations experience preferably at a Cogeneration Facility or other power plant/utilities experience is preferred

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

PHYSICAL EFFORTS Position requires climbing ladder/stairs, ability to move 50+ pounds, ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus Working with hands above head for extended periods of time Working on knees for extended periods of time WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS : The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot and humid and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will be required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• List of References

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your past work experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment:

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have Power Plant Operations experience? If so, how many years?
  • less than 2 years
  • 2-5 years
  • 5-10 years
  • 10+ years
• * This position is essential to ensure continued, uninterrupted University operations, during periods of adverse weather and/or emergency situations and the employee will be required to work during days that the University will otherwise be closed, will this be a problem for you?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Energy Utilities Specialist position.
  • High school diploma or equivalency and 2 years of related experience.
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's or PhD and 2 years of related experience.
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of education and related experience to equal 6 years.
  • None of the above